A new installment in the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise is in development, marking a significant continuation for the iconic anime series. The project, announced on , at the conclusion of the “Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion” festival in Yokohama, Japan, boasts a surprising creative partnership: Yoko Taro, the celebrated writer behind the NieR series, will be penning the script.
Details surrounding the new series remain scarce. Studio Khara and CloverWorks are co-producing, but the narrative direction – whether it will serve as a prequel, sequel, or alternate timeline exploration – has not been disclosed. The Rebuild of Evangelion films established the potential for multiple timelines, leaving open the possibility of a reimagining of the original story within a different universe. It could also potentially build upon the existing canon established across the original television series, The End of Evangelion film, and the Rebuild movies.
Yoko Taro’s involvement immediately injects a unique sensibility into the project. Known for his complex narratives, philosophical themes, and often bleak outlook, Taro’s work in the NieR franchise has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. His signature style, characterized by emotionally resonant storytelling and unconventional game mechanics, could bring a fresh perspective to the world of Evangelion. Responding to the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Taro expressed his commitment, stating, “It’s been announced! I’ll do my best!”
While Taro is responsible for series composition and the script, the directorial duties will be shared by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe. Tsurumaki previously helmed the Rebuild of Evangelion films, bringing a familiarity with the franchise’s visual style and established lore. Yatabe, a key animator on the Rebuild project, has also contributed to series like Chainsaw Man and collaborated with Tsurumaki on Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. The musical score will be composed by Keiichi Okabe, known for his work on the NieR, Drakengard, and Tekken games.
Notably, Hideaki Anno, the original creator of Evangelion, is not directly involved in a leading creative role, though his studio, Khara, is a key production partner. This may be a deliberate choice, given the conclusive nature of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the final film in the Rebuild series. Anno has seemingly concluded his primary narrative arc with the franchise, and entrusting the continuation to a new creative team could allow for a fresh interpretation while respecting the established legacy.
The announcement followed a three-day festival celebrating the 30th anniversary of Evangelion. The event featured exhibitions, talk show sessions, a kabuki adaptation of the series, and a new 15-minute short film starring Asuka Langley. The short, in particular, sparked considerable discussion among fans, presenting a vision of Asuka married to Shinji Ikari and with a child. This depiction has reignited long-standing debates about the complex and often fraught relationship between the two characters, particularly given the series’ history of ambiguous and often tragic outcomes for their connection.
The cultural impact of Evangelion extends far beyond its initial run in the 1990s. The series has become a cornerstone of anime and manga culture, influencing countless creators and inspiring a devoted global fanbase. Its exploration of psychological trauma, existentialism, and the human condition resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying its status as a landmark achievement in animation. The new series, with its intriguing creative team, has the potential to introduce Evangelion to a new generation while offering longtime fans a compelling continuation of the story.
The timing of this announcement is also noteworthy. The anime industry is currently experiencing a period of significant growth and international recognition, fueled by the success of streaming platforms and the increasing accessibility of Japanese animation worldwide. A new Evangelion series, backed by established studios and a renowned writer, is poised to capitalize on this momentum and further expand the franchise’s reach.
As of now, plot details, a release date, and distribution plans remain unknown. However, the involvement of Yoko Taro and the established creative team signals a commitment to delivering a high-quality and thought-provoking continuation of the Evangelion saga. The anime community will undoubtedly be watching closely as more information emerges about this highly anticipated project.
